In the wake of the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on October 28, the Furness Trinidad Group has mobilized urgent relief efforts. Through its food distribution arm, Furness Shipping & Marketing Limited, the group has dispatched essential canned food items, including corn, peas, carrots, red beans, and chickpeas, to support the affected population. The hurricane, described as the ‘storm of the century,’ caused unprecedented devastation across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, claiming at least 34 lives and leaving widespread destruction in its path. With sustained winds reaching 298 km/h (185 mph) at its peak, Hurricane Melissa surpassed the intensity of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans in 2005. William A Ferreira, Chairman and CEO of the Furness Group, expressed profound sorrow for the loss of life and destruction, while emphasizing solidarity with the people of Jamaica. He highlighted the resilience of the Jamaican people, stating that this disaster marks a new chapter rather than the end of their story. Ferreira also praised the dedicated efforts of his team, who worked tirelessly to ensure the timely delivery of aid despite the challenging circumstances. The Furness Group’s initiative underscores the importance of collective support in times of crisis, offering hope and essential resources to those affected by this historic natural disaster.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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AI Minister: Committee will fight online scams
In a concerning development, a fabricated Newsday article, generated by artificial intelligence (AI), has been circulating on social media, falsely implicating Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo in promoting a fraudulent investment scheme. Newsday has confirmed that no such article was published. This incident is part of a broader trend of AI-driven misinformation targeting media outlets and public figures in Trinidad and Tobago (TT).
Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, Dominic Smith, addressed the growing threat of online scams and deep-fake technology in the Senate on October 29. He highlighted the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee on September 11 by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to combat these issues. The committee aims to address the misuse of AI in creating deep-fake videos, which have been used to impersonate prominent figures such as former president Anthony Carmona and Republic Bank’s former chairman Ronald Ramkissoon.
Independent Senator Anthony Vieira, who raised the motion, emphasized the dangers of deep-fakes, which exploit images, voices, and likenesses to deceive the public. He warned that such technology poses significant risks to public trust, intellectual property, and the creative industries. Vieira called for legislative measures akin to the UK’s proposed protections for artists and the US’s Elvis Act, which criminalizes unauthorized AI-generated impersonations.
Vieira also urged TT to collaborate with international bodies like Caricom and the World Intellectual Property Organisation to adopt best practices in combating AI-driven fraud. He suggested public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on identifying and reporting deep-fakes.
Minister Smith reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing AI-related risks, noting that AI disinformation is now a top global concern. He highlighted the proactive steps taken by the government, including the establishment of the inter-ministerial committee, which will coordinate national cybersecurity policies and enhance law enforcement capabilities to tackle AI-driven scams.
Smith emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, citing his role as president of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), which has formed a task force on AI and risk. He assured that the government is focused on ensuring AI serves as a tool for development rather than exploitation, aligning with global efforts to safeguard digital infrastructure and public trust.
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Golf Association thanks sponsors for four-ball champs success
Trinidad and Tobago’s golf team showcased exceptional talent at the Caribbean Golf Association Four-Ball Championships, held at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Club in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The team secured an impressive haul of three gold and two bronze medals, marking a triumphant performance on the regional stage. The Trinidad and Tobago Golf Association (TTGA) expressed profound gratitude to its sponsors, whose support was instrumental in this achievement. In the women’s 25 and over division, Victoria Seenath and Tori De Freitas-Baptiste clinched gold, successfully defending their title against strong contenders from Jamaica and Bermuda. Gabriel Vanososte and Ryan Gomez, despite slipping to second place on the final day, claimed the overall gold in the mid-amateur men’s category, outperforming teams from Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Wayne Baptiste and Richard “Pecos” Camacho also secured gold in the super senior men’s division, despite relinquishing their lead on the final day. Ingrid Seeberan and Emilie Ramsahai earned bronze in the women’s 45 and over category, while Clint Alfred and John Rampersad tied for third with Barbados in the senior men’s division. However, the men’s 70 and over team faced stiff competition and finished at the bottom of their category. The TTGA acknowledged the vital role of sponsors, including the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, SportTT, TSTT, and others, in ensuring the team’s success. Their contributions enabled the athletes to compete with pride and precision, underscoring Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to sporting excellence.
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The two faces of government’s NIS policy
In a bid to address the looming crisis facing Trinidad and Tobago’s National Insurance System (NIS), Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has unveiled a dual strategy that balances immediate reforms with a broader call for financial independence. Speaking at the TT Stock Exchange Capital Markets Investor Conference in Port of Spain on October 24, Tancoo outlined a phased increase in NIS contributions over two years, followed by a gradual rise in the retirement age over a decade. These measures aim to stabilize the fund, which actuarial forecasts warn could collapse within years due to demographic shifts and financial strain. While the incremental approach seeks to mitigate the impact on workers and employers, concerns linger about potential effects on wages, employment, and inflation. Simultaneously, Tancoo issued a stark warning to citizens, urging them not to rely solely on the NIS for their financial security. ‘What we need is more participation, more people investing, more people saving, more people building wealth,’ he emphasized, signaling a shift away from traditional state-supported safety nets. This dual stance reflects the government’s nuanced approach to safeguarding the NIS while encouraging private financial engagement. However, critics argue that promoting private equity investments contradicts the NIS’s foundational principles of universality, risk-sharing, and income redistribution. With over 600,000 beneficiaries, the NIS remains a cornerstone of the nation’s social safety net. Tancoo’s next steps should focus on expanding coverage to the self-employed, enhancing compliance, and addressing dual coverage, as recommended in the ILO’s 2020 Actuarial Review, to ensure the system’s long-term viability.
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Concacaf U-20 Men’s qualifiers to be held from February 23-March 4
The stage is set for the 2026 Concacaf Under-20 Men’s Qualifiers, with the draw scheduled for November 6. Trinidad and Tobago (TT) are among the 32 teams vying for a spot in the 2027 FIFA Men’s Under-20 World Cup. The qualifiers, set to take place from February 23 to March 4, 2026, will see teams divided into six groups based on their rankings as of August 5, 2025. TT finds itself in Pot 2, alongside Antigua and Barbuda, Curacao, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, and Suriname, while Pot 1 features powerhouses like Canada, Costa Rica, and Jamaica. The qualifiers will be hosted across venues in Costa Rica, Curacao, and Nicaragua, with the top team from each group advancing to the Concacaf Under-20 Championships in July 2026. There, they will join six pre-qualified teams: Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and the United States. The championships will feature 12 teams divided into three groups, with the top two from each group and the two best third-placed teams progressing to the quarterfinals. At the 2024 Concacaf Under-20 Championships, Mexico triumphed over the US in the final, while Cuba and Panama secured third and fourth places, respectively. However, both Mexico and the US were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, with Morocco claiming the title. TT’s journey in the 2024 qualifiers ended in disappointment after a loss to Canada. Under the guidance of newly appointed coach Randolph Boyce, TT is hopeful for a favorable draw and a strong performance in the upcoming qualifiers.
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Soroptimist International Esperance continues Period Positivity Project
Soroptimist International Esperance has made significant strides in addressing period poverty and menstrual stigma among adolescent girls in Trinidad. Initiated in 2021, the club’s research uncovered that many girls from impoverished backgrounds missed school during their menstrual cycles due to the inability to afford or access sanitary products. This revelation spurred the club into action, launching a comprehensive initiative to provide sanitary products, educate students, and advocate for policy changes to support menstrual health. The project, initially a three-year pilot, has been extended into its fourth year due to its critical need and remarkable success. The initiative targets schools such as ASJA Girls’ College Barrackpore, Debe Presbyterian Primary, and Picton Presbyterian Primary, with additional donations to Barrackpore West Secondary and Cedros Secondary. The club’s efforts align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Clean Water and Sanitation. Key achievements include a 12% improvement in school attendance among girls previously missing school due to menstruation, reduced stigma, and the establishment of Menstrual Pad Corners in schools. The club has also engaged in outreach drives, with members, including a 99-year-old volunteer, educating the public and soliciting donations. Corporate partners like Bryden Pi Ltd and Alston’s Marketing Company Ltd have contributed significantly, while individuals and organizations such as Digicel staff and local supermarkets have also supported the cause. Despite funding challenges, the club remains committed to advocating for government support and sustainable solutions, including the removal of import duties on sanitary products. Soroptimist International Esperance’s Period Positivity Project stands as a testament to the power of community-led efforts in promoting dignity, equality, and education for girls.
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Business sector weighs in on warship arrival, Venezuela fallout
The temporary docking of the USS Gravely, a United States Navy guided-missile destroyer, at the Port of Spain from October 26 to October 30 has caused significant disruptions to commercial operations and reignited discussions about Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) delicate geopolitical position between the US and Venezuela. The vessel’s presence for joint training exercises with the TT Coast Guard led to the redirection of several cargo ships to the Port of Point Lisas, a move coordinated by the Port Authority of TT, the Port of Spain, and the Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation (Plipdeco). While this mitigated extensive logistical delays, it incurred additional costs and raised concerns among business chambers about future risks. The TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce reported moderate delays in cargo clearance and increased operational costs, urging the government to implement temporary relief measures such as waiving demurrage charges and expediting time-sensitive cargo clearance. The chamber emphasized the need for improved port infrastructure and contingency planning to address vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, the Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce highlighted logistical challenges and higher transport costs, warning that such disruptions could impact the Christmas season’s economic activity. The situation is further complicated by new fiscal measures set to double customs and clearance fees in January, adding to importers’ burdens. Geopolitical tensions between the US and Venezuela have also escalated, with Venezuela suspending energy agreements with TT and declaring Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar persona non grata. The Energy Chamber of TT has called for a renewed focus on domestic gas production to ensure energy security, emphasizing the need for reliable gas supplies for petrochemical plants and LNG facilities. The business community has expressed caution, warning that port disruptions, fee increases, and suspended energy deals could weaken investor confidence and challenge TT’s role as a regional energy hub.
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Griffith urges unity as US, Venezuela tensions rise
Former Trinidad and Tobago Police Commissioner Gary Griffith has called for national unity and preparedness in light of the escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. In a video message shared via WhatsApp on October 28, Griffith emphasized the need to move beyond political divisions and focus on the potential fallout from the geopolitical standoff. He warned that the public discourse had devolved into political bickering, urging citizens and the government to prioritize readiness over blame or propaganda. Griffith, who also served as national security minister and is a retired military officer, highlighted the direct implications for Trinidad and Tobago, including possible security threats and a surge in Venezuelan migrants if the situation deteriorates. He advocated for the Ministry of Defence to play a more proactive role in national preparedness, referencing a framework he developed in 2010 for such scenarios. Griffith proposed the formation of an advisory committee comprising retired senior military officers to guide the government’s response. He named several former defense leaders, including retired generals John Sandy, Carl Alfonso, Ancil Antoine, and Edmund Dillon, as valuable contributors. Additionally, Griffith called for immediate recruitment drives for the Defence Force, particularly the Coast Guard, and stressed the importance of mental and operational readiness among personnel. He emphasized the need for maintaining military assets and utilizing the National Operations Centre (NOC) to ensure coordination among security agencies and combat misinformation. Griffith warned that a regional conflict could trigger a mass exodus of Venezuelans, overwhelming Trinidad and Tobago’s health, education, and security systems. He also condemned attempts to show allegiance to foreign powers, particularly Venezuela’s accusation that Trinidad and Tobago harbors terrorists, which he labeled as a threat to national sovereignty. Griffith concluded by urging unity, preparation, and strong leadership, stating, ‘When the storm comes, TT must stand ready together.’
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Al-Rawi: Trinidad and Tobago economy may ‘fall flat’ amid Venezuela fallout
Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi has issued a stark warning about the potential economic consequences of the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) government’s failure to effectively manage escalating tensions with Venezuela. Speaking during the Senate budget debate on October 28, Al-Rawi highlighted recent statements by Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez, who announced plans to propose the termination of the energy cooperation framework agreement between the two nations. Rodriguez also indicated that Venezuela would seek to suspend all bilateral gas agreements with TT. Al-Rawi emphasized that these developments could jeopardize critical energy projects, including the Loran Manatee field, which holds significant natural gas reserves. He stressed that 73% of the field’s resources belong to Venezuela, while TT retains 27%. Al-Rawi cautioned that without access to these resources, TT’s energy sector investments could collapse, leading to severe economic repercussions. He urged the government to act swiftly and diplomatically to resolve the crisis and safeguard the nation’s economic stability. Additionally, Al-Rawi criticized budget cuts to key education and youth programs, questioning the government’s commitment to these sectors.
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Fatima, ‘Saints’ among schools into RBC Royal Slam semis
The RBC Royal Slam College tournament has reached its climactic stage, with Fatima College, Presentation College (San Fernando), Queen’s Royal College, and St Mary’s College securing their spots in the final four. The group phase concluded on October 26 at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua, setting the stage for an intense semifinal showdown.
In Group A, Fatima College demonstrated their supremacy with a commanding 112-67 victory over Queen’s Royal College (QRC), clinching the top spot. The trio of Williams Francis, Zachary Julien, and Idriis Martin spearheaded the win. Francis delivered a stellar triple-double performance with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 steals, while Julien contributed 29 points, six rebounds, and five steals. Martin added 23 points and eight steals to the tally. Despite a valiant effort from QRC’s captain Talib Daniel, who scored 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Fatima’s dominance was undeniable.
Holy Cross College secured third place in Group A with a 71-36 win over St Francis Boys’ College, led by Zion Redwood’s 17 points, eight rebounds, and six steals. However, Holy Cross had previously suffered a heavy defeat against QRC, where Daniel’s 35 points and 13 rebounds propelled QRC to an 85-56 victory.
In Group B, St Mary’s College emerged victorious with a 96-83 win over St Anthony’s College. Nkobi Ince shone with 35 points, eight rebounds, and six steals, while Zane Peters added 31 points to secure the Saints’ semifinal berth. Despite strong performances from St Anthony’s Amir Balgobin (33 points, eight rebounds) and Jahiem McLeod (29 points), they fell short against their northern rivals.
The semifinals are set for November 8, with St Mary’s facing QRC and Fatima taking on Presentation College. The tournament’s final will be held on November 9, with all matches taking place at the Tacarigua venue.